wear off

The phrase 'wear off' describes the gradual reduction or disappearance of something over time.

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Definition

B2General

(common)To gradually lose effectiveness or intensity over time.

Example

The effects of the medication will wear off in a few hours.

B2Physical

(common)To gradually disappear due to use, friction, or exposure.

Example

The paint on the old fence has worn off.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "wear off":

rub off burn off come off fade away work off fall off taper off wear out wear down fall away go off wipe off die away rubbing off ride off fade out walk off clear off drift off weary out slip off die off come off it bear off write off fizzle out slacken off cool off wind off wash away boil off pass off drive off burn away fight off throw off get off wash out go off the boil pass away do off take off drop off charge off die out wind down out of one's system blow off leave off take the edge off shrug off blow over